In this article, we will formulate a Braves vs Dodgers Prediction for this MLB matchup on Friday, May 8th in the opening game of this series. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Los Angeles Dodgers Preview
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a 23-14 record this season and are sitting in the first place of the NL West. They have a 12-6 home record and are coming off a 12-2 win against the Astros. They will face the Giants and the Angels next.
The Dodgers have a .273 batting average this season, .352 OBP and .446 Slugging percentage. Los Angeles’ pitching staff has a 3.16 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Andy Pages is the team’s best hitter with a .336 batting average, also leading the team in RBI with 33. Max Muncy adds a team‑high 9 home runs.
Emmet Sheehan (R) is the projected starting pitcher for the Dodgers, and he has a 2-1 record, 5.23 ERA and 1.32 WHIP.
Atlanta Braves Preview
The Atlanta Braves have a 26-12 record this season and are sitting in the first place of the NL East. They have a 14-6 away record and are coming off a 3-1 loss against the Mariners. They will face the Cubs and the Red Sox next.
The Braves have a .270 batting average this season, .335 OBP and .457 Slugging percentage. Atlanta’s pitching staff has a 3.22 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Ozzie Albies is the team’s best hitter with a .322 batting average. Matt Olson leads the team in RBI with 33, also adding a team‑high 13 home runs.
Chris Sale (L) is the projected starting pitcher for the Braves, and he has a 6-1 record, 2.14 ERA and 0.90 WHIP.
Atlanta Braves @ Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Trends: May 8, 2026
- Probable Starting Pitcher: Emmet Sheehan Record this season: 2-1 ERA: 5.23
- Home Record: 1-0
- Last 5 against Braves: 0-0
Why the Los Angeles Dodgers will win
- The Dodgers have won each of their last seven home games against the Braves.
- The Braves have lost 13 of their last 14 games against NL West opponents following a road loss.
- The Dodgers have covered the run line in four of their last five home games against the Braves.
- The Braves have failed to cover the run line each of their last three games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
- The Dodgers have led after 3 innings in three of their last four games.
- The Braves have lost the first inning in seven of their last eight road games against National League opponents.
- The Braves have trailed after 5 innings in seven of their last eight night games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
- Probable Starting Pitcher: Chris Sale Record this season: 6-1 ERA: 2.14
- Road Record: 2-1
- Last 5 against Dodgers: 1-2
Why the Atlanta Braves will win
- The Braves have won each of their last seven games following a loss.
- The Dodgers have lost five of their last six games as favorites following a road win.
- The Braves have covered the run line each of their last 10 road games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Dodgers have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven night games against National League opponents.
- The Dodgers have trailed after 3 innings in four of their last five night games.
- The Braves have led after 5 innings in each of their last four road games against opponents that held a winning record.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Braves’ last six games as underdogs against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Four of the Dodgers’ last five games as favorites against the Braves have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last eight road games against National League opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in four of the Dodgers’ last five games against National League opponents.
Los Angeles Dodgers Player Prop Facts
- Teoscar Hernandez has hit a home run in each of his last three home appearances against the Braves after not playing the previous day.
- Will Smith has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 10 appearances against the Braves after not playing the previous day.
Atlanta Braves Player Prop Facts
- Matt Olson has hit a home run in each of the Braves’ last five night games.
- Chris Sale has recorded a win in eight of his last nine appearances.
- Chris Sale has recorded eight or more strikeouts in seven of his last eight road appearances against NL opponents.
- Ozzie Albies has recorded at least one hit in each of the Braves’ last 13 night games.
- Chris Sale ranks T1st in the league for Wins (6) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Dodgers rank 1st in the league for batting average this season (.273).
- The Dodgers rank 1st in the league for opponent batting average this season (.210).
- The Braves rank 1st in the league for runs scored this season (213).
- The Braves rank 1st in the league for hits this season (353).
Braves vs Dodgers Prediction
The Dodgers are 7-2 in their last 9 meetings against the Braves and have won their last three meetings in Los Angeles.
In this Braves vs Dodgers Prediction, the Braves are coming as – road favorites. The Braves have been the best team in baseball so far, while the Dodgers are 3-1 in their last 4 games after a four-game losing streak. The Braves have the pitching advantage with Sale on the mound, who goes up against Sheehan. Sale has given up just three runs across his last four starts and the Dodgers have been weaker against lefties. On top of that, the Braves have the best offense in baseball and the 4th-best bullpen, so I expect them to get the job done on the road in this one.